As Oman continues to develop its tourism assets, authorities have said the first phase of a landmark waterpark development in Salalah will be ready by December.

Announced by Oman’s tourism minister, Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, the 35,000sq m (378,000sq ft) OMR2.6m (US$7m, €6m, £5.4m) waterpark will feature a selection of water rides, including a lazy river, wave pool, spa pool and a number of slides.

The waterpark – by James Cubitt and Partners Abu Dhabi – is part of a larger mixed-use leisure development, which will also feature a five-star hotel, mall and conference halls.

A second phase of development included in the signing will see the waterpark further expanded to include six different types of watersports, as well as vast green areas.

In addition to Salah, three other waterparks are currently under development in the country, including the OMR40m (US$104m, €88m, £80m) Majarat Oman.

The waterpark development is part of larger plan by the Omani government to harness growing interest in the Middle East as a tourist destination and raise its profile.

Speaking to Attractions Management earlier this year, Maitha Al Mahrouqi, under secretary of the Ministry of Tourism for Oman, explained the National Strategy for Tourism 2040, which includes a 6 per cent rise in tourism contributions and a near doubling of visitor numbers to five million annually.

“These figures will be achieved by promoting Oman as a year-round destination for tourists – with water sports, mountain escapades and luxury hotels included in a new summer campaign designed for visitors from the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” she said.

“Oman is certainly in a position to capitalise on events taking place in the region by offering tourists a seamless and hassle free multi-centre holiday. Over 2,000 new hotel rooms opened in 2016 alone and Oman will have the capacity to welcome tourists from Dubai and Qatar following the Expo and World Cup.”

Read the interview with Al Mahrouqi here.